German company Marian has announced its Clara E PCIe audio interface for computers in Dante networks, supporting real-time transfer of up to 1,024 uncompressed audio channels via standard Ethernet.
The launch extends the implementation of the Dante protocol from its Clara and Seraph systems to Clara E, which can be used in tandem with other Marian solutions through the TDM bus, behaving as a cohesive systems for audio software. Latest-generation Marian drivers feature both multi-client support for ASIO 2.2 and multichannel WDM audio/WASAPI, guaranteeing extremely low latency (around 1ms) through the fast PCIe connection.
With a maximum of 512 bidirectional channels transmitted via IP, Dante is easy to integrate into existing Ethernet infrastructures, configuring itself for the most part, to create cost-effective and flexible audio networks. Clara E provides access to up to 512 inputs and outputs at 48kHz. At 96kHz there are 256 channels available, at 192kHz the channel count is 128 inputs and outputs.
Clara E satisfies strict broadcast standards in that regard. Two separate Ethernet connections enable full hardware redundancy – if one line fails, the system immediately switches to the other one without interruption. Clara E also boasts flexibility beyond Dante – both Ethernet ports are AES67 compatible, allowing it to work with Ravenna or other Audio-over-IP formats.
Marian addresses the complexity of large-scale applications with a 1,024 x 1,024 real-time routing matrix integrated in Clara E. Even internal sources or signals from other systems connected through the TDM bus can be managed, including level-adjustments inside the matrix.
Clara E also comes with the proprietary Beast digital mixer. Its 64 inputs can access all audio resources within the computer and from the installed Marian systems, mixing them latency-free to eight sums. All input channels feature parametric four-band EQs modelled after analogue high-end studio consoles. The Beast is processed entirely on the Marian DSPs, leaving the host computer’s CPU untaxed.
Up to 1,024 Dante channels and direct access to other Marian solutions installed in the host computer. Optional modules can be used to expand the system with additional inputs and outputs like digital AES/EBU interfaces, integrating these signals seamlessly into the Dante universe. The MWX version Clara E+ adds Midi interfaces to the system, making it the control centre of complex installations and studio set-ups.
Marian’s Clara E is expected to ship in mid August through specialist retailers and directly from the company’s online shop. MSRPs (including VAT) are €1,980 for Clara E and €2,080 for Clara E+.
More: www.marian.de
